3. Chest x-ray uses a very small dose of ionizing
radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the
chest. It is used to evaluate the lungs, heart and
chest wall and may be used to help diagnose
shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever, chest
pain or injury. It also may be used to help
diagnose and monitor treatment for a variety of
lung conditions such as pneumonia, emphysema
and cancer. Because chest x-ray is fast and easy, it
is particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and
treatment.
INTRODUCTION
4. PREPARATION:
chest x-ray requires no special preparation.
You will be asked to remove some of your clothes and to
wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to
remove jewelry, removable dental appliances, eye-
glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might
interfere with the x-ray images.
Women should always inform their physician and x-ray
technologist if there is any possibility that they are
pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during
pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation. If
an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to
minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
5. CHEST PA
Purpose and Structures
Shown To get a clear
posteroanterior image of the
chest cavity and lungs.
Posterior - Anterior (PA). This is the most common
and preferred type of chest X-Ray. Posterior -
anterior refers to the direction of the X-Ray beam
travel.; i e. X-Ray beams hit the posterior part of
the chest before the anterior part. To obtain the
image, the patient is asked to stand with their
chest against the film, to hold their arms up or to
the sides and roll their shoulders forward. The X-
ray technician may then ask the patient to take few
deep breaths and hold it for a couple of seconds.
This techniques of holding the breath generally
helps to get a clear picture of the heart and lungs
on the image.
6. Position of part The top of the
lungs should be visible. The
exposure should be made at full
inspiration and should show rib
10 posteriorly above the
diaphragm and rib 6 anteriorly.
Both costophrenic angles and
the lower parts of the diaphragm
should be visible. The lungs and
spine should be visible behind
the heart shadow.
7. CHEST LATERAL
Purpose and Structures
Shown To demonstrate the
lateral image of the chest.
Position of patient Standing erect – left or right
(usually left lateral is shown). The patient should be
leaning slightly forward with the shoulder resting
firmly against the grid. The hands should be locked
behind the back to rotate the shoulders posteriorly or
arms should be raised in front or above the head. The
patient should be asked to take a deep breath and
hold the breath while the exposure is taken.
8. Position of part The top of
the lungs must be visible.
The sternum should be
centered to the midline of
the grid and must be visible
in its entirety in straight
lateral view. The sternum
should NOT be
superimposed by the ribs.
The lower parts of the
diaphragm must be seen.